Shock absorbing wheel



1951 J. w. KAYE SHOCK ABSORBING WHEEL 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed OCT,- 28,1946 JNVENTOR.

Jo/m W lfqye A TTORNEYJ' 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. MW

ATTORNEYS Aug. 21, 1951 J. w. KAYE SHOCK ABSORBING WHEEL Filed Oct. 28,1946 IIIIIIIIIIIIIII 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Oct. 28, 1946 John W flayeINVENTOR.

A TTORNEYS Patented Aug. 21, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE SHOCKABSORBING WHEEL John W. Kaye, San Antonio, Tex.

Application October 28, 1946, Serial No. 706,184

3 Claims.

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in shock absorbingwheels.

It is one object of this invention to provide an improved shockabsorbing wheel which eliminates substantially all transmission ofvibration from the hub to the rim or in a reverse direction, so that theWheel may be utilized for a steering wheel to eliminate the sensation ofvibration and road shock, or as a vehicle wheel, or other wheel, toeliminate transmission of vibration and noise from the rim of the wheelto the shaft upon which it is mounted.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved shockabsorbing wheel journal wherein wherein all direct metal to metalconnection between the wheel rim and the shaft upon which it is mountedis eliminated.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved shockabsorbing wheel which is simpl yet efiicient in design, and which may beeasily and quickly dissembled for repair or replacement of parts.

A still further object of the invention is t provide an improved shockabsorbing wheel journal which provides for a secure mounting andconnection of a wheel upon a shaft, and at the same time providessufiicient flexibility as to eliminate undesirable vibration and otherundesirable effects.

A construction designed to carry out th invention will be hereinafterdescribed together with other features of the invention.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of thefollowing specification and by reference to the accompanying drawings,wherein an example of the invention is shown, and wherein:

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a wheel constructed in accordance with thisinvention and mounted upon a shaft,

Fig. 2 is an enlarged horizontal, sectional view of the hub portion ofthe wheel,

Fig. 3 is a vertical, sectional view taken upon the line 33 of Fig. 2,

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the modification of the invention, and showinga wheel constructed in accordance therewith,

Fig. 5 is a horizontal, cross-sectional view of the wheel shown in Fig.4,

Fig. 6 is a vertical, sectional View taken on the line 6-6 of Fig. 5,

Fig. '7 is a plan view of a further modification of the invention, andshowing a wheel constructed in accordance therewith,

Fig. 8 is an enlarged, horizontal, cross-sectional 2 view of the hubportion of the wheel shown in Fig. 7,

Fig. 9 is a vertical, sectional view taken on the line 99 of Fig. 8,

Fig. 10 is an enlarged, vertical, sectional view taken on the line |lll0of Fig. 8 and showing a typical clamping bolt as utilized in thisinvention,

Fig. 11 is an enlarged perspective View, partially in section, of theshock absorbing member utilized in the form of the invention shown inFig. 7,

Fig. 12 is a plan view of a further modification of the invention,

Fig. 13 is a horizontal, sectional view of the form shown in Fig. 12,and

Fig. 14 is an enlarged, vertical, sectional view taken on the line l4|4of Fig. 12.

In the drawings, in Figs. 1, 2, and 3, the numeral I ll designates ashaft upon which a shock absorbing wheel is to be mounted. A conical hubH is provided with an axial bore l2 through which the shaft It) extends.The lower, or conical, face of the hub is curved or dished inwardly asshown in Fig. 3 of the drawing. The lower end [3 of the bore I l isenlarged, and an axial groove [4 extends upwardly therefrom in thesidewall of the bore I 2. A suitable key [5 engages within the groove I4and also within an elongate recess 16 provided in the outer surface ofthe shaft Ill to receive said key. The shaft is thus held againstrotation with respect to the hub l I.

The upper portion of the hub is circular and is provided with anupstanding marginal flange IT. The upper end of the shaft I ll projectsa short distance above the upper surface of the hub and carries externalscrew threads 18. A circular cover plate I9 is provided, the plate l9being substantially equal in diameter to the upper portion of the hubII. The plate is provided with a depending marginal flange 26 which iscomplementary to the upstanding flange l1 and adapted to rest thereon soas to space the plate [9 above the upper surface of the hub. The centralportion of the plate 19 is deformed downwardly to form a dependingcylindrical boss 2| and a cylindrical recess 22 within said boss. Theplate ['9 may be formed of sheet metal, or cast, or otherwise suitablyformed of any desirable or suitable material. As will .be explainedhereinafter, it is not necessary that the flanges l1 and 20 be incontact; however, this is the normal position of the flanges and theplate and hub.

The boss 2| is formed with a circular opening 23 in its lower face, saidopening communicating with the bottom of the recess 22. The

screw threaded portion of the shaft l extends upwardly through theopening 23 and receives a suitable nut 24 thereabove. Obviously, the nut24 may be rotated to squeeze the plate l9 and the hub ll together.

A resilient retaining element 25 is disposed between the hub l l and thecover plate l9 so as to be confined therebetween within the flanges lland 23. The element 25 is in the form of a pair of circular diskssubstantially equal in diameter to the inside diameter of the flanges l1and 23. The disks may be formed of rubber or any other suitableresilient material having the properties of flexibility and elasticitysimilar to those displayed by natural rubber.

The lower disk 23 is formed with a central opening 2l which receives theupper end of the shaft 19, the opening being somewhat greater indiameter than said shaft. The opening 21 is enlarged in the upperportion of the disk 28 to form a counterbore 28 which receives the lowerend of the boss 2|. An internal annular flange 29 is thus provided belowthe counterbore 23, said flange projecting radially and inwardly beneaththe lower face of the boss 2|, so as to be clamped between said face andthe upper face of the hub H. A central or axial bore 39 is also providedin the uppermost resilient element or disk 3!, the bore 30 being equalin diameter to the counterbore 28 so as to receive the boss 2!. Theupper portion or face of the upper disk 3! engages the underside of thecover plate H9. The two disks 28 and 3| thus are shaped so as to fillsubstantially, completely the housing between the hub and the coverplate.

Each of the disks 26 and 3| are provided on their abutting faces with aplurality of semicircular grooves 32 and 33, respectively. The grooves32 and 33 are rectangular in cross-section and so arranged as to be invertical alinement when the disks are placed face to face between thecoverplate l9 and the hub II. In the example shown in the drawing, threeof these grooves are provided. Obviously, any desirable number ofgrooves may be utilized. As is shown in Fig. 2 of the drawing, webs 34are formed between the ends of adjacent grooves so as to separate thesame. The entire set of grooves in either of the disks form segments ofone continuous circle, so that in effect, a continuous, concentric,circular groove is formed in each of the resilient disks, the groovebeing interrupted at intervals by the transverse webs 34. The grooves inthe upper and the lower disks are dimensioned similarly so that when thedisks are superposed, the grooves and the webs match so that a series ofarcuate pockets or recesses 35 are formed in the intermediate portion ofthe resilient element 25.

Arcuate anchor bars 36, rectangular in cross section so as to fit snuglywithin the recesses 35, are adapted to engage within said recesses. Thelength of the anchor bars 3.6 is essentially equal to the length of thegrooves 32 and 33, whereby the bars are securely positioned within thebody of the resilient element 25.

Each of the bars 36 is formed with a transverse opening 31 intermediateits ends, said opening receiving the inner end of a radially directedspoke 38. The spokes 38 may be secured within the openings 3'! bywelding or brazing, or by any other suitable means. The spokes are ovalin cross section and project radially outwardly from the bars 35,through the flanges It and 20 to a point spaced a consid- 4 I erabledistance outwardly from the hub l I. The outer ends of the spokes 38 areconnected by a circular rim or wheel 39. Since the invention may beapplied to various elements such as steering wheels, or car wheels, orbelt pulleys and the like, the nature of the rim 39 may varyconsiderably, as well as the configuration of the spokes 38. In theexample shown in the drawings, a steering wheel has been utilized todisplay the invention. However, it is to be noted that any desirablewheel structure may be adapted to this construction.

To make provisions for the spokes 38, the resilient disks 26 and 3| arerovided with relatively shallow grooves 49 and 4|, respectively, whichgrooves extend radially outwardly from. the intermediate or centralportion of each of the grooves 32 and 33. In addition, the flanges l1and 20 are provided with suitable semi-circular notches 42 and 43,respectively, to provide clearance for said spokes. As will be noted inFigs. 2 and 3, the notches 42 and 43 are considerably larger in crosssection or area than the cross section of the spokes 38, so that allpossibility of metal to metal contact between the spokes and saidflanges is substantially eliminated.

A plurality of vertical bolts 44 extend downwardly through the coverplate l9, the disks 26 and 3|, and engage within the hub ll. Anydesirable number of bolts may be provided, but it has been founddesirable to position one bolt on either side of each of the spokes 38near the outer edge of the cover plate IS. The bolts serve to furtherclamp the cover plate to the hub and more securely confine the resilientelement 25 therebetween.

In the operation of this device, such shocks or variations in torsionalforce as are delivered to the shaft [0 or the rim 29 will not betransmitted to the opposite element. Thus, if the device is utilized ina steering wheel road shock and vibration will not be transferred fromthe shaft in to the rim 39 so as to discomfort the operator of thevehicle.

The resiliency of the element 26 is suflicient to absorb and graduallydissipate such shock or such variations in torsional force. There issufficient clearance around the spokes 38 within the notches 42 and 43,and between the inner periphery of the flange 29 and the shaft [9 toallow a moderate distortion of the resilient element 25. Such distortionoperates as a shock absorber to minimize the transmission of vibrationand the other undesirable elements pointed out hereinbefore.

At the same time, the rim 39 is amply secured to the shaft in by reasonof the anchor bars 36 and the bolts 44, so that a secure purchase uponthe shaft ID is provided at all times. In a similar manner, the hub maybe utilized for pulleys or car wheels to minimize the transmission ofshock and vibration, an additional feature in such a use being thereduction of wheel noise usually encountered in such structures. Theresilient element 25 acts as a sound dampener as well as a shockabsorber and will minimize the running noise of, for example, a streetcar wheel.

In Figs. 4, 5 and 6 of the drawings is shown a modified form of thisinvention. In this modification, a different structure is provided forthe resilient element and the anchoring means, as well as altered meansfor securing the shaft within the hub. In this form, the shaft 50 isreceived within a depending, integral sleeve 5! formed centrally of acircular, disk-like cover or top plate 52. The plate 52 is formed with adepending marginal flange 53 similar to the flange 20 described in thefirst form of the invention. A short upstanding sleeve 54 is provided onthe upper face of the plate in vertical alinement with the sleeve 5|,the sleeve 54 being formed integrally of the plate and surrounded by anenlarged or thickened section 55 which serves to strengthen the plate atthis point.

A circular lower or bottom plate 56, equal in diameter to the plate 62,is provided with a cen tral opening 51 adapted to receive the dependingsleeve 5|. The plate 56 is formed with an upstanding marginal flange 58,similar to the flange ll, which is complementary to the flange 53 andadapted to engage thereagainst and form a housing around the sleeve 5|and. between the upper and lower plates.

The lower portion of the sleeve 5| carries external screw threads 59which are engaged by a relatively flat nut 60. A flat washer 6| isconfined between the nut 60 and the lower surface of the bottom plate56. Obviously, by means of the nut 66 the top plate 52 and bottom plate56 may be forced together to any desirable extent. For locking the shaft50 within the sleeve 5|, a suitable key 62 is provided. The key 62engages within a longitudinal groove 63, formed in the outer surface ofthe shaft, and also within a longitudinal slot 63 cut in the upperportion of the sleeves 54 and 5|. Thus, the shaft 50 is held againstrotative movement with respect to the top plate 52.

This modification of the invention is constructed with a wheel rim 64similar to the rim 39, which rim is provided with a plurality ofradially and inwardly directed spokes 65. It is to be noted, that in theparticular structure shown in the drawing four of the spokes 65 areutilized. Obviously, any desirable or suitable number of spokes could beemployed without departing from the spirit of this invention.

The inner end of the spokes 65 are formed integrally with a circularring 66 which is slightly greater in thickness than the spokes. Thethickness of the ring is less than the distance between the inner facesof the top and bottom covers 52 and 56, as shown in Fig. 6 of thedrawing, while the inside and outside diameters of the ring are such asto space it a considerable distance from the sleeve 5| and the flanges53 and 58. The ring is thus situated within the housing enclosed by thetop and bottom plate so as to be substantially equidistance from thewalls thereof. The

flanges 53 and 58 are provided with semi-circular notches 61 and 68respectively, which are adapted to be in vertical alinement when thestructure is assembled and to receive the inner portions of the spokes5'5. The openings thus provided for the spokes are somewhat larger inarea than the cross sectional area of the spokes so that there is nodirect contact between the latter and the marginal flanges 53 and 58.

To support and hold the ring 66 and the connected spokes within thechamber enclosed by the top and bottom plates, a suitable resilientelement 69 is provided. In contrast to the first form of the invention,described hereinbefore, the element 69 is formed in one piece around thering and spokes as shown in Figs. 5 and 6 and is in the form of arelatively thin, circular disk, substantially equal in all dimensions tothe chamber enclosed by the top and bottom plate, whereby the spokes 65and rim 64 are held in a positive fashion within the space between saidtop and bottom plate. Thus, the various elements recited are united tothe shaft 56. For further securing of the top and bottom plates, one tothe other,

and to the resilient element 69 along with the ring and at the same timea more secure and rigid mounting for the resilient element 69 isprovided.

This form of the invention functions in substantially the same manner asthat set forth hereinbefore in the description of the first form of theinvention. The same advantages and desirable results are also obtainedin this modified structure. A third form of the invention is shown inFigs. 7, 8, and 9. This form of the invention represents asimplification of the first form and utilizes a pair of plates circularin shape and having depending marginal flanges 65. The plates are placedtogether in such a position as to allow the edges of the flanges 8| toabut and enclose a pair of complementary resilient elements 82, similarto the upper element 3| previously de-'- scribed. The elements 32 areprovided with a central axial opening 83 in vertical alinement withcentral openings 84 formed in the plate 80.

The openings 83 are slightly greater in diameter than the openings 84whereby a shaft (not shown) extending through the latter openings willnot contact the side walls of the openings 83.

The resilient elements or disks 82 are also provided with arcuategrooves 85, similar to the grooves 33 and 32, the grooves 85 beingadapted to receive arcuate bars or anchor means 86, simi-. lar to thebars 35. In this form of the invention, double spokes 8! are provided,each spoke being formed of a pair of parallel cylindrical rods '88 ofrelatively small cross section. The inner ends of the rods aresecured tothe bars 86 and extend radially and outwardly therefrom. A.

suitable rim or wheel 89 is mounted upon the outer ends of the rods, asin the form described hereinbefore. The flanges iii are provided withsemi-circular notches 96 which provide peripheral openings through whichthe spokes may extend. As in the previous forms, the notches are suchsize as to form openings greater in cross section than the crosssectional area of the spokes so that the latter do not contact theflanges or 1 the top and bottom plates.

The resilient elements 82 are so dimensioned as to have a snug fitbetween the top and bottom plate within-the marginal flanges thereof.The grooves 85 are of such dimension as to have snug engagement with allportions of the bars 86 and are provided with a pair of radial grooves9|, semi-circular in cross section extending out- Obviously, the grooves9| receive the inner portion of the wardly from each of the grooves 65.

spokes 87 and have a snug fit therewith. Substantially the entirehousing between the top and bottom plates is occupied by the resilientelements 82 whereby a secure and reliable mounting for allow somedistortion of the resilient elements and insure theproper-shock-absorbing and anti- Obviously, by t the bars 36, along withthe spokes 8i and rim 89, is provided. At the same time, suflicientspace 1' exists within the axial bores or openings 83 to In Fig. 10 ofthe drawings is shown an example of the positioning and relation to theother elements of the wheel mountings to one of the clamping bolts. Thisillustration is applicable to the form of invention just described andis described therewith. However, this view is also exemplary of the boltmounting in the other forms of the invention previously described.

In the application of this structure to the last form described, theplates 82 are provided with transverse openings 92 near their marginaledges. The openings in one plate are adapted to be in vertical alinementwith those of the opposite plate in the completed structure. Theresilient elements .82 are also provided with transverse, marginalopenings 93 in vertical alinement with the openings 92 and suitablebolts 94 extend therethrough. The bolts are provided with the usual head95 which engages the outer surface of one plate, and the usual nut 96which engages the outer surface of the opposite plate. The bolts may betightened to clamp the marginal portions of the top and bottom platestogether and secure the resilient element and wheel and spoke structuretherebetween. The bolts are positioned one on either side of each of thespokes at a point adjacent the spokes so as to aid in the securing andmounting of the spoke and wheel structure. If desired, the head 95 ofthe bolt may be countersunk in one of the plates 80, although suchstructure is optional and not required. This latter form of theinvention again exhibits the same desirable characteristics as thosepreviously described for the first form of the invention. Asubstantially vibration and shock free structure is provided, astructure which is applicable to many uses.

An additional modification of this invention, adapted to solid or diskwheels, is shown in Figs. 1'2, 13, and 14 of the drawings. In this form,the numeral I designates a cylindrical shaft upon which the wheel ismounted. The wheel includes a complementary pair of housing plates IOIand I02, the numerals identifying the upper and lower platesrespectively. The plates are circular in shape and formed with inwardlycurved, marginal flanges or skirts I 03 and I04, said skirts beingdirected toward each other.

The upper plate IOI carries a central hub I which projects downwardlyand axially of the plate and is provided with an axial bore I06. The hubalso projects slightly above the plate. A similar, complementary hub I0!is provided centrally of the lower plate I02 and projects thereabove aswell as slightly therebelow. The hub ID! has an axial bore I00 invertical alinement with the bore I06 and similar thereto. The shaft I00extends through both bores, being connected to the hub I05 by a suitablekey I09.

The plates IOI and I02 are mounted upon the shaft I00 so as to have thehubs I05 and I0! adjacent and the marginal flanges I03 and I04 directedtoward each other, thereby substantially enclosing a housing within andbetween said plates. Neither the hubs or the flanges are necessarily incontact, and in most instances will not be in contact but serve todefine and enclose the space referred to hereinbefore.

A resilient disk-like element IIO, formed of rubber or some similar orsuitable material, is disposed within this housing and formed with acentral, transverse bore or opening I I I to receive the hubs I05 andI0'I. The periphery of the element is rounded to conform to the curvedflanges I03 and I04, so that the element has a snug fit within andbetween the plates. A plurality of suitable bolts .or rivets II2 extendtransversely of the :plates through the resilient element to secure theplates together and bind the element therebetween. Normally, as shown inFig. 14, with the center portion of the wheel thus assembled, there is aslight clearance between the inner ends of the hubs I05 and I07, and asomewhat greater clearance between the inner edges of the flanges I03and I04, so that the resilient element is free to be distorted.

A solid or disk wheel I I3 is carried by this center portion. The wheelis shown with a flanged rim I-I4, but obviously may be of any desiredstructure or design. A relatively large axial opening 1 I5 is providedin the center of the wheel. An internal, annular, concentric rib or beadII B is formed on the marginal portion of the opening I I5 so as to bedisposed about the inner periphery of the wheel. The bead is rectangularin crosssection, although other shapes may be used, and somewhat thickerthan the body of the wheel, thereby projectingbeyond either face of thelatter.

The bead I I6 and the central portion of the wheel are embedded in theresilient element IIO so as to be situated concentrically of the openingI I I. The inside diameter of the bead is such as to space it a shortdistance radially outward from the wall of the opening II, but radiallyinward from the bolts or rivets I I2. Suitable oversize openings .I I1extend transversely of the wheel to receive said rivets, it being notedthat said openings are larger than the rivets so as to provide ampleclearance therebetween.

The wheel may be imbedded in the resilient element by molding the latteraround and about the bead and disk, or by making the element in twoclosely-fitting halves, or by any other suitable method. As shown in thedrawings, the wheel is disposed midway between the top and bottom facesof the resilient element IIO and extends radially outward between theinner edges of the flanges I03 and I04. The clearance between theseflanges is such as to prevent their engaging the wheel, this space beingoccupied by a peripheral flange I I8 formed on the element IIO on eitherside of the body of the wheel.

As pointed out in connection with the previously-described forms of theinvention, a substantially shock and vibration-free structure is thusprovided. All metal to metal connections between the wheel rim and theshaft are eliminated with provision being made for distortion of theresilient element. At the same time, a secure and relatively rigidstructure is obtained.

The foregoing description of the invention is explanatory thereof andvarious changes in the size, shape and materials, as well as in thedetails of the illustrated construction may be made, within the scope ofthe appended claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A shock-absorbing wheel including, a hub adapted to receive a shaft,a shaft extending through the hub, a marginal flange on the hub, a coverplate having a complementary marginal flange and a recess for receivingthe end of the shaft, said plate abutting the hub so as to form ahousing within the marginal flanges, a resilient disk-shaped elementhaving a snug fit within the housing, anchor means imbedded in theresilient element, spokes radiating from said anchor means, a rimcarried on the outer ends of the spokes, the marginal flanges havingnotches to receive said spokes, and means engagin the end of the shaftfor urging the hub and the cover plate together against the resilientelement.

2. A shock absorbing wheel as set forth in claim 1 wherein the shaftengaging means is disposed wholly within the recess.

3. A shock absorbing wheel including, a hub adapted to receive a shaft,a shaft extending through the hub, a marginal flange on the hub,

a cover plate having a complementary marginal 0 flange and a recess forreceiving the end of the shaft, said plate abutting the hub so as toform a housing within the marginal flanges, a resilient disk-shapedelement having a snug fit within the housing, a plurality of arcuateanchor members embedded in the resilient element, said members beingspaced from one another by the resilient element, spokes radiating fromsaid anchor members, a rim carried on the outer ends of the spokes, themarginal flanges having notches to receive said spokes, and meansengaging the end of the shaft for urging the hub and the cover togetheragainst the resilient element.

JOHN W. KAYE.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,651,009 White Nov. 29, 19271,684,596 Patch Sept. 18, 1928 1,711,819 White May 7, 1929 2,128,069Ashby Aug. 23, 1938

